Las Vegas, NV (February 7, 2022) - Beginning February 7th, Southern Hills Hospital and Medical Center will begin offering Interventional Neurology for stroke patients. Stroke is the leading cause of death in the United States and also the leading cause of disability. A stroke is typically caused due to a blockage of blood flow in the brain, or when a blood vessel breaks and begins bleeding in the brain.
In some cases, stroke patients can receive a drug that helps break up the clot but sometimes more treatment is necessary which is when neurointerventional radiology is used to assist in restoring brain function. Neurointerventionalists will thread a catheter into the brain and remove the clot manually allowing for blood to begin flowing and can aid in restoring brain function immediately. Neurointerventional Radiology is most effective within a few hours of when stroke symptoms begin.
"We know that the quicker a patient receives treatment for a stroke the less permanent damage there will be to the brain. Saving time means a better chance of survival and a better chance of returning to normal life," said Cullen Brown, Chief Operating Officer at Southern Hills Hospital. "That is why it was important for us to get this new interventional neurology program up and running at our hospital. Providing patients quicker access to advanced stroke care will help improve clinical outcomes in our community and help us live up to our mission of caring for and improving human life."
The Interventional Neurology program for stroke patients can be effective for both types of stroke, ischemic as well as hemorrhagic. Symptoms of a stroke can include weakness or numbness in a part of the body, difficulty seeing, or difficulty speaking. This service will help round out the already robust neuro service line at Southern Hills Hospital and will allow Neurosurgeons, Neurologists, Neurology residents, and Neuro Intensivists to work hand in hand to treat patients.
While Interventional Neurology will be heavily used to help stroke patients, this program will also be vital for diagnosing and treating various conditions affecting the central nervous system.